The latest round of Berrybank Wind Farm Community Grants has been awarded to six community groups who will share in a combined $115,000 over the next three years to help deliver a range of community projects and events.
The funding was available across two categories: Economic Development, Tourism Projects and Events, and Community Projects and Events over $10,000, with one off and recurring funding available.
The successful community projects and events included:
- Shelford Duck Race – $10,100 total to be delivered over the next three years to support Shelford’s largest community event.
- Bunjil Lookout Community Gathering – $13,800 over the next three years for the Maude She Oaks and Steiglitz Community Planning Group to support the community event following a successful pilot event in 2022.
- Shelford Public Hall Rejuvenation Project – $49,700 over the next two years for the Shelford Public Hall Reserve Committee of Management to support rejuvenation of this valuable community asset.
- Valentines Bush Dance and Winter Solstice Bonfire – $15,850 over the next three years for Cape Clear Recreation Reserve to help run these annual events.
- Greens Lighting Upgrade – $15,700 for Inverleigh Bowls Club to support an upgrade to LED lighting and improve visibility over the playing surface.
- Spectator Shelter – $10,000 for the Inverleigh Sporting Complex to support its spectator shelter project.
Golden Plains Shire Mayor Cr Brett Cunningham said the Berrybank Wind Farm Community Grants continued to provide vital funding to support local community projects and events across the Shire.
“This is the second year of the Berrybank Wind Farm Community Grants Program and it’s clear that these funding opportunities give local community groups and organisations a real boost in making important events and initiatives a reality,” Cr Cunningham said.
“Congratulations to the latest round of successful recipients, and Council looks forward to working with Berrybank over the coming years as they deliver more funding for exciting community projects and events.”
Delivered in partnership with Berrybank Development Pty Ltd, the Berrybank Wind Farm Community Grants Program provides funding opportunities to support local events and projects in Golden Plains. Applications were open from 1 June until 30 June 2023.
The Berrybank Wind Farm Community Grants Committee, made of representatives of the company, Golden Plains Shire Council and members of the community, provide advice on the criteria for awarding community grants, evaluate applications from the public and make recommendations to Council on which local projects to support.
The funding contribution for 2023 was $60,000 and will increase to $102,500 annually from 2024. There will be a minimum of one round of application opportunities each year and funding will be made available over the 15-year term of the agreement between Council and Berrybank Development Pty Ltd.